Mathews, a former standout player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was last seen walking on the side of White Oak Road in Marion Township.

He takes daily walks on the road, where he lives with his wife, daughter and grandson on about 100 acres, said Dennis Hutchison of Harrisville, a family friend.

On Tuesday afternoon, when he did not return home, family and friends went out looking for him.

When they couldn’t find him, they notified state police. Soon after, Fitzgerald helped coordinate the search operation in and around the area of Allison Road.

Fitzgerald estimated the search encompassed a three-mile area.

About 30 volunteer firefighters from several departments participated in the search. Six canines from four rescue dog teams and a state police helicopter with night vision-type technology also assisted.

“It’s very rural and real swampy,” Fitzgerald said of the search area.